• New EV Charging Stations and Electric Shuttle Buses Coming to UCCS
• Parking and Transportation Services won a ChargeAhead grant for three dual-head electric vehicle chargers and a Clean Fleet Enterprise grant for two electric shuttle buses. University Development and the Office of Sustainability supported the grant application process.
• Hiring a Building Performance Principal Professional
• This position will monitor and improve energy, water, and thermal comfort using meters, software, and building automation systems. This position will be housed under Facilities Management and report to Executive Director Jeff Reed. We are waiting for our top candidate to accept our offer for this job.
• Hiring Sustainability Program Managers
• We are searching for two students to serve as Sustainability Program Managers. These part-time student positions are for graduate students and undergraduate juniors and seniors. Candidates must have knowledge and experience in sustainability obtained through classes, volunteering, internships, previous employment, and participation in student organizations. The deadline to apply is September 22. Visit the Student Employment Assistant Network (SEAN) to apply.
• STARS Assessment
• We are conducting a comprehensive sustainability assessment this fall and spring. We will be assessing sustainability efforts in the following areas: academics, engagement, operations, innovation, and planning and administration. To learn about the assessment tool and our past performance, visit https://reports.aashe.org/institutions/university-of-colorado-at-colorado-springs-co/report/. If you are interested in helping us collect data for the assessment, email Konrad Schlarbaum at kschlarb@uccs.edu.
• Energy Performance Contract
• Campus and system leadership is finalizing a 16.6-million-dollar investment in energy and water conservation measures that collectively pay for themselves over 20 years. The regents have approved the funding. We are currently negotiating the contract with Iconergy.
• Sustainability Culture Survey
• This fall, we are working with Colorado State University's Institute for the Built Environment to assess students, faculty, and staff's sustainability values, beliefs, and behaviors. We will use the information we glean from this assessment to track our collective efforts to foster a culture of sustainability at UCCS.
• Sustainability Demonstration House Tours
• The Office of Sustainability is located in the Sustainability Demonstration House at 12 Cragmor Village Road near The Lookout at Cragmor Apartments. The house features sustainability products and practices that students, faculty, and staff can consider for their current and future homes. Please take a look at the event section below to sign up for a tour of the house.
• UCCS Sustainability Minor
• Explore the interconnections between the environment, economy, and equity. Earn a credential that could give you a competitive advantage when applying for jobs. Receive course credit towards both your minor and major. Be sure to meet with an academic advisor before pursuing this minor. For more information, visit: https://sustainabilityminor.uccs.edu/requirements

Green Action Fund (GAF)

The Green Action Fund is the primary driver of sustainability on campus. The organization is supported by a fee of $5 per student per semester. GAF is managed by students and advised by a staff and faculty representative. The GAF Committee evaluates and awards funding to students, faculty, and staff sustainability projects based on these five pillars: Reduction of Ecological Footprint, Increased Student Involvement, Education and Outreach, Long-term feasibility, and Scope of Impact. Over the past ten years, GAF has awarded $1.6 million to over 160 infrastructure, research, and engagement projects.

Here are four ways to engage with us:

• Learn more about the Green Action Fund.
• Follow us on Instagram.
• Join us on Mountain Lion Connect.
• Visit our website.
• Join the Green Action Fund Committee. You will be able to learn about various sustainability projects and use GAF's five pillars to determine if they receive funding. You must be able to attend the bi-weekly meetings on Wednesdays from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Sustainability Demonstration House. Please complete this application to join the committee.
• Join a Green Action Fund Subcommittee. We have two subcommittees, one on improving our student outreach efforts and the other on preparing for the 2024 Student Government Elections. Please reach out to Kayla Williams to learn more about these subcommittees.
• Propose a Sustainability Project. We have funding to support student, faculty, and staff sustainability projects. All you need to get started is an idea. We can help you develop your idea into a robust project and guide you through the application process. We highly recommend working with our Grant Coordinator, Kayla Williams, for the best chance at receiving funding.

September Events And Activities

• Creek Cleanup, Saturday, September 23, 9:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m., Berger Hall and Portal Park
• The Office of Sustainability has partnered with UCCSlead and Reisher Scholars to host a Creek Clean Up as one of five service projects for the UCCSlead Day of Service & Activism. The event will include lunch and transportation. This cleanup is connected with the Fountain Watershed District's annual Creek Week. For more information and to register, visit https://mlc.uccs.edu/event/9096753.
• Green Action Fund Committee General Meeting, Wednesday, September 27, 8 to 10 a.m., Sustainability Demonstration House and Microsoft Teams
• Join students as they decide what sustainability projects receive funding and how to increase awareness about the impact of these projects and opportunities for students to propose projects. To obtain the Microsoft Teams link, RSVP here: https://mlc.uccs.edu/event/9345047.
• Sustainability Demonstration House Tour, Friday, September 29, 1 to 2 p.m., 12 Cragmor Village Road (near The Lookout at Cragmor Apartments)
• See all the sustainability products and practices featured at the UCCS' Sustainability Demonstration House. For example, learn about our solar energy, rubber shingles, and water-wise garden. RSVP by emailing sustain@uccs.edu.
• Carbon Management Panel Discussion, Monday, October 2, 5 to 6 p.m., Jack Quinn's Irish Pub
• Moderator Dr. Lynnane George (UCCS Professor of Engineering) will facilitate a discussion on using carbon management for environmental protection. The panel includes State Representative Ken DeGraaf, Dr. Dylan Harris (UCCS Professor of Geography), Konrad Schlarbaum (UCCS Director of Sustainability), and Karthik Krishna (Founder and CEO of KKrish Energy). The event is part of the Cool Science Festival and includes a silent auction. RSVP at www.coolscience.org.

Pikes Peak Permaculture’s 1st Fundraiser

• Who: Pikes Peak Permaculture is a non-profit organization founded in 2002 with a mission to provide hands-on educational programs that teach the ethics, principles, and applied technologies of the discipline of Permaculture.
• What: Pikes Peak Permaculture’s first fundraiser to support its mission will feature live music, kids activities, food trucks, education booths, product vendors, a silent auction, and a farmer’s showcase.
• When: Saturday, September 16, from 12:00 to 6:00 pm
• Where: Ranch Foods Direct, 4635 Town Center Drive
• Cost: $10 entry, 12 and under are free
• There are still vendor tables available and volunteer opportunities; inquire here: https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/contact-us/  
• For more information: https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/event/pikes-peak-permaculture-fundraiser/
• Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/3DR6ClKwS

Liquid Lecture

• What: A monthly Brewshed Alliance lecture series, open to the community, with a focus on watershed health, education, and engagement.
• Topic: "Lost Structures of Garden of the Gods” with Bowen Gillings
• When: Wednesday, September 20 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm
• Where: Goat Patch Brewing Co.
• RSVP to fcwdaa@gmail.com
• More Information: https://www.fountain-crk.org/liquid-lecture-series
• Hosted by the Fountain Creek Watershed District

Creek Week Cleanup 10th Anniversary

• What: Join the largest Community Cleanup in the State of Colorado!
• When: September 30th - October 8th, 2023
• Where: Create or join a cleanup crew and pick up litter at different sites throughout the region
• Registration and more information: https://www.fountain-crk.org/creek-week-2023-registration
• Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/3KnyTwyLi
• Hosted by the Fountain Creek Watershed District

Clean n Crawl 2023

• What: Clean n Crawl is a unique event that combines the spirit of community service with the enjoyment of a pub crawl. Participants will come prepared to clean up Tejon Street, one of the vibrant streets of our city, while making drink stops at four different locations along the way. Come connect with the community and experience the joy of making a positive impact. We look forward to seeing you at Clean n Crawl!
• Who: Age 21+ or older
• When: Saturday, September 30, from 1:00-5:00 pm
• Where: Several businesses along Tejon Street in Downtown Colorado Springs
• How: Tickets are $30. There are options to bring cash on the day of the event or purchase your ticket online. Spots are limited, so if you plan to pay cash the day of, please RSVP to creekweeksoco@gmail.com as soon as possible to secure your ticket. Tickets can be purchased online here: https://www.fountain-crk.org/clean-n-crawl-ticket
• For more information: https://www.fountain-crk.org/clean-n-crawl
• Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/2RsRfKZo1
• Hosted by Fountain Creek Watershed District, Bristol Brewing Co., Atomic Cowboy, Jack Quinn's, Jose Muldoon's, and Tony's.

Concrete Couch

• Who: Concrete Couch is a non-profit organization founded in 1990 with a mission to “work with kids and community groups to create public art, to build community, and to create environments and experiences that humanize our world.
• What: Concrete Couch offers fun, free, and fabulous programs for all ages throughout the month. Here is a list of their programs: Citizen Science, Tuesday Trails, Jam Band, Tree Care Program, Bike Program, Fab Lab, Grab Bag, and 2nd Saturday Sustainability Skill Share.
• When: Programs are offered throughout the month.
• Where: Concrete Coyote, 1100 South Royer Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
• For more information, visit http://www.concretecouch.org/.